Perfect cruise in a small boat, respectful of nature (penguins, dolphins, birds, seals, much to see). Would recommend over other cruises for Tony and his wife that take time to cruise and to show you everything they spot, time to chat with each passenger, and time to give interesting details on wildlife and places.

Loved getting out and seeing the wildlife up close. We were shown around beautiful landscapes and Tony gave us a great account of the local history.

We really enjoyed the cruise with Coast Up Close, Tony and Mafi (& Scruffy) are fantastic and very friendly guides with lots of fascinating information and stories. We saw lots of Hector dolphins and were lucky enough to see a huge pod of Bottle nose Dolphins, seals, penguins and much more really up close to the boat. Our kids were really excited to see Tony stopping the boat to catch any rubbish that he spotted in the water, it was inspiring to see someone taking the time to help keep a beautiful place beautiful. We’d definitely recommend Coast Up Close, it was a fantastic experience.

We had the most fabulous boat trip with Coast Up Close. We were a family group of 5 adults, 90 yrs to 24yrs. It was nearly the perfect day for boating (a few small waves got up out around the coast) in the beautiful Akaroa Harbour and we felt in very experienced and safe hands with Tony, Mafi and Scruffy. Hector dolphins were everywhere, Little Blue Penguins, Shags, Seals and really interesting and amusing commentary and conversation with Tony and Mafi. This is an excellent tour that we highly recommend!!

We took at tour with Tony and can only recommend this trip. So much history told from a local, hurry up and buy a ticket! You will love it for sure!

We recently booked a private fishing charter for 10 people including 4 school aged children. This trip was much anticipated as my father had wanted to book a trip for us all to experience sea fishing and Tony did not disappoint! Tony was so welcoming and knowledgeable about the area. We got to se dolphins jump out the water and swim alongside the boat. There was plenty of room for us all to fish with great results. Tony had laid some cray pots one had a small shark in it the kids thought was so cool! We highly recommend Tony's charter for anyone seeking the thrill of a great catch!

This has to be the best boat trip out of Akaroa. Tony is an exceptional and very informative guide he takes you right up close to the rock formations and wildlife. I've been on many boat trips, but this one is without doubt the best. We were 3 adults and 2 children, a 5 year old and 2 year old. The children had a wonderful time, were included in everything and made to feel very welcome. The Hector Dolphins were in abundance and we had the best views. I would not hesitate to recommend Tony's boat trip to anyone.

We had a fantastic day with Tony on the boat. The views were amazing and we saw some places in Akaroa we have never seen before in any other tours. We absolutely love it and will definitely come back to do it again. Our two year old had a fantastic time too!, very child friendly as well.

Tony was great and so was his boat. He is one lucky guy who truly loves his job and that shines through. We saw everything he promised and more. Even a couple of Mums with their baby Hector's dolphins, a tiny penguin and fur seals. The scenery was amazing - we were lucky to have a perfect day yesterday. Choices are sitting inside or out and we could easily move around the boat. Highly recommend this tour. Great value for money, just the right length of time. Forget the flasher boat up the wharf - this is the one to choose. Keep up the good work Tony - we are singing your praises!

I don't do "touristy" things much but this was a great little trip. Even my son, who is hard to impress had a fantastic time and said it was the best value for money. The dolphins came out and the rock formations and the colours and the wildlife were awesome. The boat was perfect and we were given expert knowledge and local history as we moved through the harbour. If you are deciding between this and other similar tours, you won't regret taking this one. Go for it!

Coast up Close is a fantastic choice if wanting to do an Akaroa cruise. We headed out on this on 5th of January and were really impressed with the boat. It is very well kept and was ample space to move about and a great choice of aread to sit. Tony the owner/operator was a local and was full of information to share and made sure each group was well looked after and enjoyed the experience. We got to see dolphins, seals and different types of birds. The scenery was lovely aswell. If choosing a cruise definetly do this one. You won't be disappointed.

Just got back from a trip with these guys, Wow it's was spectacular and very informative, Tony and partner really know the area and showed us some fantastic spots, I have no doubt that the bigger boats wouldn't be able to get to. We were lucky enough to see a wide variety of sea birds of which we were all told their specie's names and a bit about them, also a fur seal eating an octopus, some albatross and of course the wonderful Hector dolphins, If you want a great trip out book with these guys you won't regret it

Went out yesterday with Tony and what an amazing experience, first time going out watching dolphins and other various wildlife and I could not recommend him enough, he was very friendly and also very knowledgeable, if I could give him a 10/5 I would

Fantastic trip! We saw lots of dolphins, seals and birds. Captain had a vast knowledge of the area and was very personal. Love the smaller boat mess we got to get up close with the animals!

This was a really great tour. Super friendly and lovely hosts that have a lot of knowledge to share on the area. We saw plenty of dolphins, a couple penguins and albatross and seals.